In this retreat, Vishvapani Blomfield, a member of the Triratna Buddhist Order, explores the concept of "right communication." The Buddha, Vishvapani says, emphasized the importance of practicing Right Speech on the Eightfold Path. But then again, the Buddha wasn't on Twitter. In this day and age, we're constantly communicating, not only through face-to-face interactions but also through texting, emailing, Skyping, Tweeting, and Facebooking. It's difficult enough to apply Right Speech in a conversation with a friend. But how do we do it over text? Via email? On Facebook?

During this election cycle, as the American public collectively engages in heated political discussions, practicing Right Speech is more important than ever. Throughout the retreat, Vishvapani shows us how to engage in Right Speech by asking ourselves, no matter what the medium: Is it truthful? Is it effective? Is it beneficial? Is it kind? Speech, Vishvapani tells us, is a central part of being human—it's what connects us to the people we surround ourselves with. When practiced wisely, Right Speech can have powerful and transforming effects and allow us to express true wisdom and compassion.